Constitution and the law.  While there may be those of high intelligence who violate the law at times, the barbarian and the defective always violate it.  Those who disregard the rules of society are not exhibiting a superior intelligence, are not promoting freedom and independence, are not following the path of civilization, but are displaying the traits of ignorance, of servitude, of savagery, and treading the way that leads back to the jungle.

The essence of a republic is representative government.  Our Congress represents the people and the States.  In all legislative affairs it is the natural collaborator with the President.  In spite of all the criticism which often falls to its lot, I do not hesitate to say that there is no more independent and effective legislative body in the world.  It is, and should be, jealous of its prerogative.  I welcome its cooperation, and expect to share with it not only the responsibility, but the credit, for our common effort to secure beneficial legislation.

These are some of the principles which America represents.  We have not by any means put them fully into practice, but we have strongly signified our belief in them.  The encouraging feature of our country is not that it has reached its destination, but that it has overwhelmingly expressed its determination to proceed in the right direction.  It is true that we could, with profit, be less sectional and more national in our thought.  It would be well if we could replace much that is only a false and ignorant prejudice with a true and enlightened pride of race.  But the last election showed that appeals to class and nationality had little effect.  We were all found loyal to a common citizenship.  The fundamental precept of liberty is toleration.  We can not permit any inquisition either within or without the law or apply any religious test to the holding of office.  The mind of America must be forever free.

It is in such contemplations, my fellow countrymen, which are not exhaustive but only representative, that I find ample warrant for satisfaction and encouragement.  We should not let the much that is to do obscure the much which has been done.  The past and present show faith and hope and courage fully justified.  Here stands our country, an example of tranquillity at home, a patron of tranquillity abroad.  Here stands its Government, aware of its might but obedient to its conscience.  Here it will continue to stand, seeking peace and prosperity, solicitous for the welfare of the wage earner, promoting enterprise, developing waterways and natural resources, attentive to the intuitive counsel of womanhood, encouraging education, desiring the advancement of religion, supporting the cause of justice and honor among the nations.  America seeks no earthly empire built on blood and force.  No ambition, no temptation, lures her to thought of foreign dominions.  The legions which she sends forth are armed, not with the sword, but with the cross.  The higher state to which she seeks the allegiance of all mankind is not of human, but of divine origin.  She cherishes no purpose save to merit the favor of Almighty God.